Battlefields abroad for Cadet group

A group of Derbyshire cadets travelled more than 1,600 miles to Gibraltar to conduct battlefield studies and take part in offshore sailing.

Around 52 Cadets and 23 adult volunteers from Derbyshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) flew to Gibraltar on October 21, for a nine-day visit filled with challenging and exciting activities.

This is the first visit of its kind organised by Derbyshire ACF and has been designed to educate cadets about historical battles, as well as giving attendees a chance to try activities that may normally be ‘off limits’ at home.

During the trip, the group visited HMS Diamond – a Type 45 air defence destroyer, took part in a Trafalgar Day service at the Trafalgar Cemetery, conducted a battlefield study of the upper Gibraltar Rock and the lower defences and took part in some offshore sailing. Other activities to come include climbing, power boats and other water based challenge pursuits.

The whole group also took part in a military training exercise on the Rocks only training area at Bufferdero.

Colonel Chris Young, senior adult volunteer and commandant of Derbyshire ACF, said: “Visits such as this are planned to encourage our young people to try new activities, learn about historical battles and develop their team working skills. Some of the group have not been away from home before so it is very important that we have a varied schedule of activities planned that can be enjoyed by everyone.

“One of my personal highlights so far was seeing how much the cadets enjoyed offshore sailing around the bay of Gibraltar, each playing a part in ‘crewing’ the boats.”

Cadet Sergeant Major Declan Woods from A Coy, Derbyshire ACF, is taking part in the visit. He said: “Being a cadet has allowed me to experience so many new things. Its half term at the moment so being able to travel to Gibraltar with my friends from cadets has been fantastic.

“I loved going to the ‘top of the rock’ and seeing the monkeys who live there, as well as learning more about The Battle of Trafalgar and touring HMS Diamond which is normally off limits to the public.”

The group travelled back to the UK on October 30, and is already planning their next overseas adventure.